Seen from on high, London’s shifting cityscape never ceases to fascinate – a patchwork of man-made shapes interrupted by so many pockets of green. No matter the weather, a view from above brings out the distinct colour and characteristics of each neighbourhood, encouraging you to look beyond the confines of the street and out towards the city limits. From Forest Hill’s vast vantage points to the best of the Barbican’s balconies, here are five homes that will require binoculars …

Lauderdale Tower, London EC2
On the 24th floor of the Barbican’s Lauderdale Tower sits this ‘Type 1A’ three-bedroom apartment with birds eye views of the city. The wraparound balcony is accessed via a succession of double-height, timber-framed windows allowing you to step directly into the soaring cityscape. Inside, vista-worthy corners of note include the breakfast nook where morning coffees are elevated by sun-dappled views, and the master bedroom where even a slight lift of the head will reward you with views over the city from the west-facing veranda windows.

Tewkesbury Avenue, London SE23
Forest Hill is known for its epic views thanks to its elevated topography (the clue is in the name). This 1930s, five-bedroom, semi-detached house enjoys an elevated standpoint on Tewkesbury Avenue – a winding road that climbs up towards the Horniman Museum and Gardens. The views from this house expand as you ascend each floor, culminating in a gob-smacking view of the twinned Dawson’s Heights buildings which appear like two brick ships sailing through the suburban landscape. The sharp glint of the Shard will also catch your eye as you scan the sprawling skyline.

Bellenden Road, London SE15
This five-bedroom Victorian terrace in Peckham Rye is topped with an enviable open-air arrangement that spans the entire roof area. At the top of a sculptural staircase an electrical hatch opens to reveal a smart, secluded tree-top terrace complete with outdoor kitchen. Where better to enjoy the 360-degree views of the city than from here, fanning the flames of a pizza oven as your sourdough crust crackles and crisps? Descend to the second roof terrace to catch the last rays of sun as they settle on the rooftops of south east London.

Mauretania Building, London E1W
With the glaucous waters of the River Thames coursing just below, the views from this apartment read like a three-dimensional timeline of the capital. Historical wharf buildings line the wide waterway, leading the eye on to the high-shine skyscrapers of the City. Look a little closer to home and you’ll spot riverboats, waterbirds and even seals bobbing amongst the flotsam and jetsam of the Thames. Enjoy these shifting vistas from the terrace that reaches across the full width of this light-filled apartment, sitting pretty on the north bank of the Thames.

Canonbury Lane, London N1
It’s not just south London with its hilltop houses and elevated perspectives that offers up panoramic views of the city. Take these two Victorian buildings that have been cleverly merged to create an expansive and storied house and garden. Close to Upper Street’s independent bustle yet tucked around a quiet corner, this intriguing and artful four-storey home gifts numerous vistas. As you ascend each floor, catch glimpses of mature back gardens that lead the eye to the red-brick belfry of the Union Chapel before arriving at the sweeping fourth-floor extension for views beyond the treetops to the glassy skyscrapers of London Bridge.